A chance to bring a new dimension to Bermuda's tourism product — or a threat to one of the Island's most peaceful natural environments?

Belcario Thomas' plans for a restaurant and cocktail 'Sandbar' on Warwick Long Bay have brought a little controversy to the otherwise tranquil area of Warwick West.

Families living near the beach were jerked into action shortly after the plan was announced — collecting names on a petition and descending on Parliament to protest against Government's support of the scheme.

And while in recent weeks their campaign hasn't been hitting the headlines as they await a court hearing on the matter, that doesn't mean their feelings have subsided.

Kathy Michelmore, who lives 200 yards from the beach, told The Royal Gazette the issue remains one of the hottest topics in the area.

"We feel that Warwick Long Bay is one of our last unspoilt beaches," she said. "It's a quiet and family area, where people come knowing their children will be safe.

"It's in an unsuitable site for a commercial development, just from the point of view of the natural beauty of the area. It's a place people can go to relax without music, noise or people drinking.

"The protest was signed by a huge number of people and presented to the Premier saying 'we don't want this, please keep it the way it is'. Visitors said they love coming to Bermuda and being able to go to this beach as it is."

Dr. Michelmore said people are still angry at Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney's decision to go against the advice of a Planning inspector and give the scheme the go-ahead.

"People are frustrated because they have made their objections through the proper channels, but the Minister never explained why he went against us," said Dr. Michelmore.

Campaigners are awaiting a court hearing after lodging an appeal against Mr. Blakeney's move.

Businessman and United Bermuda Party chairman Jeff Sousa, who lives and works in the area, said: "Myself and generations of people from Warwick have gone to that tranquil beach to get that peace of mind. It should not be a place for loud music."

Mr. Thomas did not respond to a request for a comment for this article, but previously he has defended the project as "a tiny footprint in the sand", claiming it would be very low key and aimed at simply providing refreshments to enhance the experience of the beach.

Other than the beach bar row, residents did not have a great amount to complain about when this newspaper visited Warwick West as part of its Up Your Street series.

Many were keen to point out that the area has avoided the kind of gang problems plaguing other parts of the Island in recent months.

One grandmother, giving her name as 'Momma', said: "You have got boys who hang around here like anywhere, they come through riding their bikes and it's very noisy.

"But we are able to disperse it if we approach them and tell them they are getting out of hand.

"I welcome them into my yard and have no problems with them. They are usually well-behaved. We have got to remember there's a lot of hurt, angry people out there, and we have to work with them when we can."

One elderly man said: "Everybody works together here and we don't have the problems that you see in the rest of the Island. It's quiet most of the time."

But while the gangs may not be fighting, the political rivalry between two likely Constituency 28 election candidates appears anything but friendly.

The constituency has traditionally been United Bermuda Party (UBP), but it's currently Bermuda Democratic Alliance (BDA) after sitting MP Mark Pettingill switched allegiances late last year — a move which enraged Mr. Sousa.

Mr. Pettingill wrote to all his constituents explaining his reasons, and says the response has been extremely supportive.

"Certainly the people have traditionally voted for the UBP here, but the reaction to my move shows people overwhelmingly believe the time for change has come," he said.

Mr. Pettingill and Mr. Sousa have had angry exchanges in the press, with the former sarcastically dubbing the latter 'Mr. Environment' in recognition of his comments on several political issues.

But Mr. Sousa, who hopes to run for the UBP in the next election in the constituency, said: "So many people are sad with the fact that Mark Pettingill was elected carrying the flag of the United Bermuda Party and now he represents the BDA.

"But the way people talk will be at the polls."